First, the Governor signed all three of the budget bills (LBs 131, 968, and 969). We were successful in overriding his line-item veto of LB 1072, the bill that will now authorize payment of $2.4 million of claims submitted by subcontractors of the Boys and Girls home.

And after many hours of debate, LB 239, the bill that required a government-issued ID to vote in elections, failed on a cloture motion, and so LB 239 will not be back on our agenda this session.

Speaker Mike Flood noted that he may change the end date for the last day of the session, for final reading passage, thus making it possible for Legislature to override any bills the governor may veto.

BILLS PASSED INTO LAW:

 LB 66 clarifies provisions as to who is responsible in collecting DNA samples from felons.

 LB 357 authorizes a one-hlf percent increase in local option sales and use tax.

 LB 799 (my priority bill) increases the penalty for child abuse committed negligently, resulting in serious bodily injury, to a Class IIIA felony and increases the penalty for child abuse committed negligently resulting in death to a Class III felony. A Class IIIA felony carries a maximum of five years imprisonment or $10,000 fine or both; a Class III felony carries a maximum of 20 years imprisonment or $25,000 fine or both and a minimum of one year imprisonment.

 LB 804 changes provisions relating to justification for use of force  also known as the Castle Doctrine.

 LB 1030, the bill I introduced on behalf of several constituents in my district, would require motor vehicle drivers when passing bicyclists, pedestrians and personal assistive mobility devices, to maintain a minimum of three feet clearance.

 LB 1039 helps clarify when a driver is required to stop when encountering a school bus.

 LB 1053 creates the Nebraska Tourism Commission and transfers powers and duties from the Travel and Tourism Division to the Department of Economic Development.